Chapter One: Intellectual Property Rights and Scientific Thinking

Published: November 30th, 2020

Intellectual property rights are fundamental to modern economic growth. However, policy makers and the courts have weakened intellectual property rights in the recent past. While there are many theories about how to promote prosperity, we should use scientific thinking when considering different claims and supporting evidence.

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Discussion Questions

1. What kind of inventions can be protected under the patent system?
2. How does intellectual property affect the economy?

Additional Resources

• Read “Patents and the Wealth of Nations,” by Stephen Haber. Available here..
• Read “The Myth of the Wicked Patent Troll,” by Stephen Haber and Ross Levine. Available here.
• Read “Patent Trolls as Financial Intermediaries? Experimental Evidence,” by Stephen Haber and Seth H. Werfel. Available here.
• Read “Property Rights: A Practical Guide to Freedom and Prosperity,” by Terry Anderson and Laura E. Huggins. Available here.